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Atlas NextWave supports Enkurs 2027 maritime competition for Latvian students
Atlas NextWave is supporting Enkurs 2027, a nationwide competition that challenges Latvian students to test their knowledge, courage, ingenuity and teamwork while discovering the maritime industry. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the competition will take participants from an interactive online quiz to a hands-on final featuring challenges inspired by real maritime skills and working environments. It gives young people the opportunity to step beyond the classroom, discover their abilities and experience where a future in maritime could take them.
Bringing the maritime industry to life
Maritime careers demand more than technical knowledge. They require teamwork, clear thinking and the ability to make decisions when circumstances change. Enkurs gives students the chance to experience those qualities for themselves. Guided by maritime specialists and certified trainers, participants will encounter challenges that can include navigating ship simulators, extinguishing fires, completing rescue missions in a swimming pool and testing their abilities in industrial climbing. The aim is not simply to tell young people about the maritime industry, but to give them a genuine taste of its challenges, technology and career possibilities.
Maritime is a dynamic and technologically advanced industry. Together with our partners, we organise Enkurs each year to give young people the opportunity to try things for themselves and discover their talents. By inviting students from grade 7 for the first time, we hope to introduce them to the industry earlier and reach those who may never previously have considered a maritime career.
Jānis Krastiņš, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Maritime Administration
From the online quiz to the practical final
The competition takes place over two stages. On 30 October 2026, all registered teams will compete in an interactive online qualifying quiz. The ten highest-scoring teams will progress to the final, which takes place at Novikontas Academy in Riga on 19 March 2027. During the final, students will complete practical challenges and demonstrate their skills in ship-handling simulators as they compete for the main prize: a trip to Sweden for the entire team aboard a Stena Line ferry, including two days in Stockholm. One finalist team will also receive a special prize worth €2,000 from Marine Underwriting Services.
Inspiring the next generation of maritime talent
The maritime industry relies on a new generation that is ready to learn, adapt and take responsibility. Giving young people early opportunities to explore the sector can help them understand the wide range of careers available and recognise talents they may not yet know they have. Supporting Enkurs 2027 reflects Atlas NextWave’s commitment to strengthening connections between education and industry. We are proud to help create an experience that introduces students to the people, skills and possibilities behind the maritime world.
How to participate
The competition is open to students in grades 7–12 from general education schools across Latvia. Each team must include: 6–10 students and 1–2 accompanying teachersSchools may register more than one team. A school representative or teacher must complete the application form on behalf of each team.
Register your team:
http://ej.uz/enkurs2027_pieteiksanas
Competition information and rules:
http://ej.uz/enkurs2027
Further updates are also available on Instagram and TikTok through @enkurs2027. Enkurs 2027 is organised by the Latvian Maritime Administration and the Latvian Maritime Union. Atlas NextWave, is proud to be among the organisations supporting the competition and helping more young people discover where a future in maritime could take them.
